How Much Will My Case Cost?

It is almost impossible to determine exactly how much a family law case will cost at the outset of a case—particularly if it will wind up going to court. An attorney can provide a general idea in your initial consultation, after learning about your specific case.

Initial Consultation

An initial consultation with one of our family law attorneys can last up to one hour. During your initial consultation, the attorney will outline the law as it applies to your case, and answer any basic questions you may have. He or she will outline a general roadmap for your case, covering likely scenarios, potential pitfalls, etc. The attorney will also determine the nature of the issues in your case, and what services you will require. This will allow the attorney to provide you an appropriate fee agreement which would allow you to retain our services. The fee agreement is usually provided at the conclusion of your consultation, or shortly thereafter.

Retainer

Your fee agreement will require a minimum “retainer” for us to get started on your case. The retainer will be an amount that you would be required to maintain throughout the duration of your case. The attorney will determine the appropriate retainer for your case during your initial consultation.

To hire us, you would sign the fee agreement and provide the required retainer. We would then begin work on your case. Our attorneys and paralegals would bill for their work according to their hourly rates. Twice per month, we would send you a statement itemizing the work performed, and showing the payment out of your retainer to cover the work.

You would replenish your retainer after each statement, in order to maintain the minimum balance. At the conclusion of your case, you would be refunded the remaining balance of your retainer.

Hourly Rates

Our attorneys’ hourly rates currently range from $275 to $500, based on experience level.

Our attorneys are assisted by a large team of family law paralegals, who have their own hourly rates (ranging from $125 to $200). Our attorneys delegate certain tasks to paralegals where appropriate, in order to save our clients money where possible. However, many tasks can only be performed by an attorney (appearing in court, negotiating with opposing counsel, etc.).